Communist China will launch military operations around Taiwan after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) arrived in the region Tuesday despite the threats from China and warnings from the Pentagon.
Upon the House Speaker’s arrival in Taiwan, Pelosi issued an official statement saying, “Our Congressional delegation’s visit to Taiwan honors America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant Democracy. Our visit is part of our broader trip to the Indo-Pacific — including Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan — focused on mutual security, economic partnership and democratic governance.”
Pelosi’s visit made her the first House speaker to land in Taiwan since Newt Gingrich’s 1997 visit. The island was what China falsely claimed as part of its territory, sparking China’s military to be put on high alert.
Moreover, following Pelosi’s arrival, China’s defense ministry issued a statement, claiming that the country is launching “targeted military operations” in response to the House Speaker’s visit to the island.
Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command also released an official statement claiming, “This action is targeted at the US’s shocking recent major escalation on the Taiwan issue, and serves as a serious warning to Taiwanese independence forces or those seeking independence.”
According to the reports, on August 4, China will launch its operations in six areas that encircle the island of Taiwan.
Meanwhile, shortly after Pelosi landed in Taiwan, the Washington Post published an op-ed from the House Speaker explaining her reason for going.
“Today, America must remember that vow. We must stand by Taiwan, which is an island of resilience. In recent years, Beijing has dramatically intensified tensions with Taiwan. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has ramped up patrols of bombers, fighter jets and surveillance aircraft near and even over Taiwan’s air defense zone, leading the U.S. Defense Department to conclude that China’s army is ‘likely preparing for a contingency to unify Taiwan with the PRC by force.’” Pelosi wrote.
“The PRC has also taken the fight into cyberspace, launching scores of attacks on Taiwan government agencies each day. At the same time, Beijing is squeezing Taiwan economically, pressuring global corporations to cut ties with the island, intimidating countries that cooperate with Taiwan, and clamping down on tourism from the PRC,” Pelosi added.
“In the face of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) accelerating aggression, our congressional delegation’s visit should be seen as an unequivocal statement that America stands with Taiwan, our democratic partner, as it defends itself and its freedom.” The speaker continued.
